Christian unity is a vital aspect of the Christian faith. It is a unity that goes beyond cultural, ethnic, and denominational differences. In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of Christian unity, and he lays out some principles that can help us attain it. In this message, we will explore Philippians 1:1 and see how it relates to Christian unity.
The opening verse of Philippians 1 is a salutation from the apostle Paul to the church in Philippi. He addresses the letter to “all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons” (Philippians 1:1). In this greeting, Paul identifies three groups of people: the saints, the overseers, and the deacons. Each of these groups has a specific role to play in the church, but they are all united in their common faith in Jesus Christ.
The first group that Paul addresses is the saints. The word “saints” in the New Testament refers to all believers in Jesus Christ. It is not a title reserved for a select few who have achieved a higher level of holiness than others. Rather, it is a term that describes all those who have been set apart by God and made holy through faith in Jesus Christ.
The fact that Paul addresses his letter to “all the saints” is significant because it highlights the inclusive nature of the Christian faith. The gospel is not just for a particular race or social class, but it is for everyone. In Christ, there is no distinction between Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female (Galatians 3:28). All who believe in Jesus are part of the same family, and they are all united by their faith in him.
The second group that Paul addresses is the overseers. The term “overseer” in the New Testament refers to those who are in leadership positions in the church. They are responsible for the spiritual well-being of the congregation, and they are accountable to God for how they fulfill their role.
In addressing the overseers in Philippi, Paul is emphasizing the importance of leadership in the church. Leaders have a significant influence on the direction and culture of the church, and it is crucial that they lead with wisdom, humility, and a heart for unity. Paul later exhorts the Philippians to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). This is a principle that applies not only to the congregation but also to those in leadership positions.
The third group that Paul addresses is the deacons. The term “deacon” in the New Testament refers to those who serve in practical ways in the church. They are responsible for tasks such as caring for the sick, distributing food to the needy, and assisting with the administration of the church.
In addressing the deacons in Philippi, Paul is highlighting the importance of practical service in the church. While leaders have an essential role to play, it is the everyday acts of service that help build a culture of unity and love in the church. Paul later encourages the Philippians to “look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). This is a principle that applies not only to the deacons but also to all believers.
In these three groups of people – the saints, the overseers, and the deacons – we see a picture of the diverse roles and gifts that exist within the church. Each person has a unique part to play, but they are all united in their common faith in Jesus Christ.
